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Wolf to sign LGBT anti-discrimination executive order

Photo by AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the Trolley Car Cafe in Philadelphia.

(Harrisburg) -- Gov. Tom Wolf says he'll sign an executive order to prohibit discrimination by state contractors based on someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Wolf told WESA-FM in Pittsburgh on Wednesday that he had hoped the Legislature would pass legislation designed to outlaw such discrimination.

But he says he'll move forward with the executive order since the bills have languished.

Wolf says Pennsylvania needs to be seen as a welcoming place and he cited the backlash against what he called a ``discriminatory'' bill signed by North Carolina's governor.

Wolf's office said later that he'll sign that order Thursday, along with another pertaining to state employees.

Senate State Government Committee Chairman Mike Folmer says he wants to vet the bill to make sure it doesn't violate religious liberties or freedom of conscience.

An earlier story is below:

Gov. Tom Wolf says he'll sign an executive order to prohibit discrimination by state contractors against people who are lesbian, gay or transgender.

Wolf told WESA-FM in Pittsburgh on Wednesday that he had hoped the Legislature would pass legislation designed to outlaw discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

But he says he's decided he needs to move forward with the executive order since the bills have languished. Wolf says Pennsylvania needs to be seen as a welcoming place and he cited the backlash against what he called a "discriminatory'' bill signed by North Carolina's governor.

Senate State Government Committee Chairman Mike Folmer says he wants to vet the bill before possibly holding a vote to make sure it doesn't violate religious liberties or freedom of conscience.

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